Customer Reviews

A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division

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I WAS WITH CO.C IST BN. 8TH CAV. REGT IN KOREA. I HAVE BEEN A CATHOLIC FOR 48 YEARS, AND CREDIT FR. KAPAUN EQUALLY INSTRAMENTAL IN GUIDIND ME TOWARD THE FAITH, HIS LACK OF FEAR IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE, WHEN HE AND OTHER CHAPLIN WOULD GO TO THE AID OF THE WOUNDED AND DYING MADE YOU FEEL THAT HE COULD NOT BE HARMED. I STARTED PRAYING TO FR.KAPAUN SOME MONTHS AGO ,NOT KNOWING THAT HE COULD BE CONSIDERED FOR SAINTHOOD,BECAUSE I FEEL I HAVE SOMEONEIN HEAVEN WHO UNDERSTANDS MY FEELINGS OF SURVIVING GUILT AND WILL ASK FORGIVNESS FOR ME. SINCERLY DONALD H. SUMMERS 301 WILDHORSE COVE CLEVELAND GA. 30528

"A Shepherd in Combat Boots" is the story of a remarkable soldier, priest and human being. In this day and age, where people loosely confer the title of "hero" on media stars and sports figures, it is inspiring to read the story of a true hero -- Father Emil Kapaun, a simple chaplain who gave unselfishly of himself and placed his own life in jeopardy to serve his fellow soldiers during the Korean War. As a member of the U.S. military reserve, I found the story a moving reminder of what it means to serve one's country and fellow man.

The extensive endnotes and bibliography indicate that the author has thoroughly researched his subject matter. Yet, while providing a great deal of information, the author has produced a story which is quite readable. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the Korean War (as I did in reading it) or to anyone who is simply looking for an inspirational, true story.

Father Kapaun provided a tremendous example of courage to the young soldiers in his care during the most frightening and difficult circumstances. His story would send a positive message to any reader and might be particularly appreciated by young readers (teens and above), who may be trying to formulate their own answers to the question of what it really means to live one's life as a hero.

One usually thinks of soldiers exclusively when considering warfare. Only as a second thought are civillians, surgeons and chaplins given any attention. A Shepherd in Combat Boots will rectify that laxity in thinking. Father Emil Kapaun's story is one of compelling compassion for fellow human beings in the peculiar circumstances of combat and captivity. He was a man of action when the simplest of gestures counted. By his example soldiers learned the true meanings of love, sacrifice, duty and honor. No one can read this book without being touched and without asking "why have I never heard of this man before?"

I am a teacher at a Catholic high school in Wichita, KS-- Kapaun Mt. Carmel. In 1955, Chaplain Kapaun Memorial High School opened its doors to Catholic young men of the Wichita Diocese. In 1972, CKM joined with Mt. Carmel Academy (girls) to form Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School. Throughout the year, we celebrate the life and extraordinary contribution of Fr. Emil Kapaun. The book does an incredible job of recounting the Korean experience of Fr. Kapaun. He is truly an inspriation to our student body and faculty, just as he becomes to all who read the book.

This book is a story of a man who becomes a priest and dies serving his fellow man. He is praised by the men of diffrent faiths (Christian, Jew and Muslim)who were POWs with him in North Korea.

This is an excellent book to read especially during this era where the Me Generation is thriving. This book shows one the importance of sacrifice for our fellow man.

As a new fire chaplain, I have been reading as wide as I can about what a chaplain does. Chaplain Kapaun is a real model for all of us who follow Christ and serve others as a chaplain.

This is an excellent story and so breathtaking, I had to stop reading in several parts, just to get through the chapter! What an amazing man Father Kapaun was and he showed how great the power of the human spirit is that once you start reading, you can't put it down. Then, when you're finished reading it, you want everyone to know about this wonderful human being! I, for one, will never feel needy for anything else in my life. Mr. Maher did an excellent job of interviewing friends and family of the Chaplain to make you feel that you knew him as well. Such a sad, sad story but one that makes you proud to be a Christian and proud to be an American. This has to be made in to a movie!

William Maher has given us a well-written biography of Fr. Emil Kapaun. Chaplain Kapaun was born in Kansas, grew up on a farm, and became a diocesan priest. He served as a chaplain in WWII and in Korea. In Korea he was taken as a prisoner of war and died from lack of medical treatment. Parts of this book are difficult to read because of the inhumane way the communist treated POW's, but for all the good men who endured this treatment, we need to read the story.

His heroic service to all the men he served with, not just catholics, will never be forgotten. He did everything he could to help his men spiritually, physically and mentally. The title of this book appropriately calls him a shepherd. Just as we think of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, so Fr. Kapaun was a good shepherd to his men. He was a true hero although he never would have considered himself a hero.

The vatican has named him "Servant of God", and I hope to see him canonized in my lifetime. Pray for us Fr. Kapaun.

My Dad went to the High School that was named after this Priest. He loves it so far.

An accurate account of a terrible war. This book would be of interest to anyone who was involved in the Korean War, or for those who had a family member in the war. Emil Papaun was truly unique among men.